Hometown Zero
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The esteemed guitarist Félix Tellier Pouliot makes quite an impression with this debut album, where Christian Bailet and Martin Auguste join him for improvised, live in the studio, 7 tracks.
The playful mood of the title track starts the listen with Pouliot’s bright guitar amid Auguste’s drumming acrobatics in a progressive jazz sort of way, and “World” follows with flowing melodies radiating much beauty and warmth.
The middle is where some of the best tracks reside, as “Upsy Daisy” shows both restraint and adventurousness in its precise interaction, while “Café de la Grave” benefits much from Bailet’s thick bass lines alongside Pouliot’s swirling guitar prowess.
At the end, the intimate “Valse Perdue” finds itself in dreamy territory, where a very careful delivery unfolds with grace and emotion.
The trio have been playing together for nearly 10 years, and it shows in their dynamic chemistry that explores a fusion formula that pulls from many different angles of jazz.
Travels well with: Heatwaves- Kappa; Barry Coates- New Dreams